Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Acquitted: Rouse Avenue Court Clears Former WFI Chief in S*xual Harassment Case
The Rouse Avenue Court has acquitted former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar in the s*xual harassment case filed by women wrestlers, concluding a trial that followed a 2023 Delhi Police chargesheet. The judgment brings a significant legal development to a controversy that triggered widespread protests among prominent Indian athletes at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
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The Rouse Avenue Court on Monday, August 3, acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar in the high-profile s*xual harassment case involving women wrestlers. The judgment brings a significant legal development to a controversy that triggered widespread protests among prominent Indian athletes at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The proceedings were conducted in a closed courtroom before Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwani Panwar.
Background and Legal Proceedings
The case originated from an FIR registered by the Delhi Police following allegations raised by women wrestlers against Singh during his tenure leading the sports body. Following an extensive investigation, the Delhi Police filed a 1,500-page chargesheet on June 15, 2023. Brij Bhushan Singh Rejects CM Yogi Adityanath’s Claim, Says Namaz Was Never Offered at Hanumangarhi (Watch Video).
The chargesheet invoked provisions under Sections 354, 354A, 354D, and 506(1) of the Indian Penal Code, targeting offences including s*xual harassment, assault or criminal force against women, and criminal intimidation. Vinod Tomar was named as a co-accused in the chargesheet. During the trial proceedings, the court recorded testimony from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) member and the investigating officer.
Trial Arguments and Final Verdict
Final arguments concluded after detailed submissions from both the prosecution and defence teams. Senior advocate Rebecca John advanced arguments on behalf of the complainants, while the defence team was led by advocate Rajiv Mohan, assisted by Rehan Khan and Rishabh Bhati. After hearing submissions from both sides, the court reserved its verdict and ultimately delivered the acquittal. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Cleared in POCSO Case as Delhi Court Accepts Police Closure Report.
The accused had faced trial over allegations made by women wrestlers from India and abroad concerning incidents during Singh's leadership at the helm of the WFI.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 03, 2026 11:10 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
